SAGE Lecture Spark [11/06/18] The Publisher of the Social Sciences

Assessing Claims of Voter Suppression and Voter Fraud “Republicans, beginning with President Trump, warn of rampant voter fraud.” “Democrats say that new voting regulations in Florida, Georgia, North Dakota are designed to keep down the votes of minorities.” https://www.npr.org/2018/11/03/663858898/assessing-claims-of-voter-suppression-and-voter-fraud

Opinion: Donald Trump’s Racial Divisiveness President Trump “plays the race card with his ‘America First’ message, hoping that it can help Republicans keep control of Congress.” For the first time since 2016, Americans now have a chance for their political voices to be heard. https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/trump-s-racial-divisiveness-plays-well-tv-he-wins-because-ncna930386

“Will Georgia Voting Controversies Discourage Voters from Turning Out Experts worry that “a new ‘exact match’ voting law, a mass removal of inactive voters from the state rolls, and reports that some machines are switching Abrams votes to Kemp – could discourage minority and first-time voters from turning out.” https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2018/11/02/midterms-stacey-abrams-brian-kemp-voter-suppression-controversy-minority-turnout/1807527002/

Facebook and Twitter Are Rushing to Stop Voter Suppression Online The two platforms are acting to fight “against fast-spreading falsehoods about how, when and where to vote — including posts containing inaccuracies about how to mail in ballots or doctored photos that show long lines at polling stations.” They are concerned that false info from “foreign governments or malicious domestic actors” might deter voters. https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2018/11/02/how-facebook-twitter-are-rushing-stop-voter-suppression-online-midterm-election/

Key Concepts The 2018 Midterm Election: Voter Suppression In the wake of the 2016 election, the American public is largely skeptical of the political system. Mass media has the ability to shape our access to/ and perception of elections very directly in the “New Media Age”—as can be seen in the work of Facebook and Twitter.

Assessment Writing: Why is it important that everyone in the United States have the right to vote? Is there anyone who shouldn’t have the right to vote? Debate: Are voter ID laws good or bad? Why? Poll: Had you heard about the current issues of voter suppression before this post? Yes or No? Short Answer: During what infamous time in American history was voter suppression also a significant issue? A few time periods or election cycles may correctly answer this question. Current Events Quiz Democrats warn that new voting regulations in three particular states are designed to keep down the votes of minorities. Those are: The NBC Op-Ed article argues that Trump ___ to help Republicans keep control of Congress. Experts worry that voting controversies in Georgia will ___ voters. Facebook and Twitter are concerned about ____ from foreign governments or malicious domestic actors affecting turnout. As a result of their concerns, Facebook and Twitter are ___ on their platforms. Answers North Dakota, Florida, Georgia Plays the race card Discourage 4. False information 5. Acting to fight falsehoods

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA0fKey6yHw   “Princeton professor Eddie Glaude is explaining how voter suppression is a form of systemic racism in America that keeps a system of de-facto segregation in place. Glaude goes on to say that by everyone expressing their voting rights and overcoming voter suppression we can change the fact of this country and the politicians who rule it.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqOjj1FCcVY   “Many people like to talk about how important voting is, how it's your civic duty and responsibility as an adult. Eric Liu agrees with all that, but he also thinks it's time to bring joy back to the ballot box.” Don’t be uninspired—get out and vote!